Understanding a dog’s thunderstorm anxiety

Understanding a dog’s fear of thunderstorms can help how we handle it. And, if it is a new behavior, why the sudden onset of terror?

Behaviorists and veterinarians think that dogs sense the oncoming storm. The changes in light and dark, barometric pressure changes, noise, both sharp cracks and low rumbles, are felt by dogs at a different level than humans. Some even surmise that they can be subject to an electrostatic shock that causes them pain. Pain is remembered, so when any of the triggers leading up to it occur, they sense what will follow.

This can also explain why some dogs start their anxious behavior when they previously have never exhibited this behavior before. Anxieties keep increasing as the weather brings with it more of these storms. Dogs can anticipate it and therefore start their fear behavior earlier and more often.

What to do?

I recommend a ThunderShirt for most dogs. The compression of the coat seems to help many dogs in reducing not curing anxieties.

Teaching the dog that the storm brings good things is your best method especially if you start young before the onset of anxious behaviors. During the storm, play games with your young dogs such as hide and seek and fetch. Even for older dogs that have not exhibited seriously phobic behaviors this is recommended.

Offer the dog a special smoked bone as you see a storm approaching or when on its way. They will be preoccupied during the event. Keep these bones just for storms.

Desensitize dogs when young by playing thunder sounds via your sound system. Put it on low and play games and offer rewards. Increase its intensity gradually and as you do increase the level of rewards and games. After a while your dog will look forward to the storm!

During a storm, create a safe haven for them such as a windowless room or closet. Make sure the door is left open so they can come out if they wish. Putting on a TV loudly or white noise machine is often helpful. Make the room comfy and dark.

Do not coddle the dog or allow the dog to lie on you. These only rewards anxious behavior. Never utter the words “it’s ok.” An alternative is to teach your dog to lie down near you, but not touching you, when there are storms approaching just as you might do at other times when you are watching TV or are pre-occupied.

Lastly, if nothing works try calming remedies such as pheromone plug ins or calming collars. Valerian is a natural oral remedy to relax the dog without knocking them out. If desperate ask your vet for a calming medication but make sure it is given prior to anxiety onset.

Good luck…this is a way of life down here.

Abby Bird is the owner of Alphadog Training Academy. AlphadogTrainingAcademy@gmail.com